Huntley HS Voice Dec 16 2022 Issue

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huntley high school student news • dec. 16 • volume 26 issue 5

Editor in Chief Abby Panier

Managing Editor

Chase Keller

Floating Editors

Irene Banerjee, Megan Curry, Jessy Gone, Taryn Rainey, Natalie Vongchanh

Photo Editor

Alexis Cobb Marketing Editor

Sharon Omoniyi

Business Manager

Karolina Perkowski

Social Media Manager

Sophie Thompson

Staff Writers

Emmy Byers, Maya Hiermann, Laura Langkan, Daniel Przybylko, Prianca Waters

Photographers

Katie Walsh, Grace Watt Adviser Dennis Brown

itself; its student editorial board and staff members assume complete legal and financial liability for the content of the publication.

Guiding the way for class selections

By Irene Banerjee

In the past two months, there has been an increase in students visiting the counselor pods throughout the day. When entering, most students have their appointment confirmation email on their phone as a pass and have a filled out course selection worksheet with them.

Prior to these appointments, they scroll through the 108 page document online and write down the names of the classes they feel they should take, only to erase half of them seconds later.

Is this what I want to take? Can I handle all this work? How will this help me graduate?

Although many fill the sheet to the best of their abilities, they may feel uncertain as they walk into the counselor’s office. Many hope that their counselor will be able to provide them with some guidance for the upcoming year.

The course selection process has officially begun.

On Nov. 2, counselors sent out an email regarding course registration for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year. In the email, counselors reiterate the standard method for selecting classes, such as viewing the Course Catalog and filling out a course selection worksheet.

Yet, what made this email strikingly different from last year’s is that students are now required to schedule individual meetings with their counselor between Nov. 2 and Jan. 13.

The two-week period of Jan. 17 to Jan. 27, the days when students will be officially enrolling in next year’s classes, is quickly approaching. Stu -

Students meet one-on-one with their assigned counselors to plan the future.

dents have been setting up appointments with counselors and meeting with them the past two months to receive advice regarding the courses they want to take next year.

Before meeting with a counselor, students are expected to look over the Course Catalog and fill out a course selection worksheet corresponding to the grade they will be in next year. Planning out a general idea of next year’s classes helps the student and counselor have a structured meeting and shared understanding of the student’s goals.

“[The scheduling worksheet] is a map for students to write down what classes they want to take and makes it easier, not only for them to see on paper, but also to see what we’re going to talk about,” 9-10 counselor Karen

Miller said. “It’s also what they’re going to use when they go into PowerSchool to pick their classes, so they should be prepared.”

While filling out the course selection sheet is simple for core classes, such as English, math, science, and social studies, many may need help picking electives they want to take.

“Electives are there for us to learn about ourselves to explore skills, explore interests, [and can be] things that we might want to do from a career perspective or things that we might end up wanting to do from a hobby perspective,” 11-12 counselor Carolyn Frasor said.

With so many options in electives for students and their importance

Guidance counselors meet individually with students to discuss classes for next year

Linking the high school to college

Schoolinks, a new program at Huntley High school, aims to help students find their future

By Laura Langkan

Most students dread the Raider Way bell schedule and the boring lesson that comes with it. However, recently the Huntley High School administration introduced a new and exciting program to the school.

That program is called Schoolinks, which aims to help students assess and explore their interests and find possible career paths.

Students were introduced to this program through a recent Raider Way lesson. During this lesson, students took a quiz on their personality type to find matching careers and majors. Afterwards, they could find colleges with the majors that fit their career path.

Despite this program’s helpful nature, students feel that it is too vague and lacks a true connection to what students want for their futures.

“I had a lot of friends and myself, who didn’t really agree with a lot of what it said,” sophomore Sarah Koegel said. “A lot of the career stuff is not that specific.”

The questions that were given to students lacked a connection to who they really are. Likewise, many students felt that their results did not connect to them at all.

When a student receives their personality type, they are given three career clusters that match their personality. However, many of these personality types lack a connection to the given career paths.

Schoolinks does not take into account a student’s interests or hobbies when finding career paths; since, there is more to it than just a personality quiz.

Another Schoolinks quiz that students took was the “Would You Rather” quiz. This assessment gives students the option between two activities for multiple rounds, and from there, Schoolinks gets an idea of what careers fit them the best.

A continuous issue with this quiz is the fact that it sometimes gives students different answers each time they take it. This leads to many students feeling confused or frustrated with the “helpful” program.

On the other hand, school adminis -

trators are working very hard to make improvements to Schoolinks.With the program just being implemented, there are still many things to be added. One being Huntley High School’s course catalog.

”Once we have the course catalog added, it will also suggest electives that fall under those areas for them,” assistant principal of student services Danyce Letkewicz said.

The school plans on adding the catalog so students can view which classes match up with a certain career path. This allows for students to view what possible pathways Huntley High School has for the matching career.

In addition, they plan on adding a piece where students can view their previously-taken courses, allowing students to work towards a certain career pathway.

“It’s going to help guide you and you can plan out your four years [with] what courses and electives [you want to take],” Letkewicz said.

“So that when you’re doing some of your graduation plans, and seeing [and] creating your pathway for what you want to take your four years here, we’ll have all of that built in there,” said Shelly Kish, associate principal for learning and assessment.

Being able to see what courses are available to take throughout one’s high school years can be really helpful. It allows students to be able to view what intrigues them and what courses lead to a career pathway. This can be especially helpful if students plan on going into one of Huntley’s academic academies.

There are four academies at Huntley High School: the Fine Arts Academy, Engineering Academy, Medical Academy, and Global Academy.

All of these academies have courses

CC BY-SA 3.0

that a student can take to be admitted. Some even have a point system, if a student takes a certain amount of courses they can graduate from the academy and have that certificate of graduation put on their high school transcript.

In addition to seeing what courses are a part of an academy’s pathway, students will be able to see what classes they have already taken, allowing students to be able to see what classes fit into an academy’s pathway. This shows students that they are able to follow an academy’s curricular pathway while still not having connections to it.

All in all, it seems that Schoolinks will soon be a more helpful college and career program once some features are added.

More Raider Way lessons involving Schoolinks could be implemented to help students understand its features better.

Check out more articles on school on huntleyvoice.com!

Schoolinks give students the opportunity to discover different career pathways.

Once we have the course catalog added, it will also suggest electives that fall under those areas for them

to furthering students’ interests and career goals, counselors have been able to advise students about which electives are best for them on a personal level.

“I was able to ask [my counselor] what classes are best for the field I’m going into,” junior Anna Patel said. “Since I’m [going into] the business field, she recommended the class Incubator for me ”

Sophomore Katelyn Sandora said her counselor helped her choose between Criminal Law and Project Lead The Way Medical Interventions. She was advised that taking PLTW Medical Interventions will benefit her further due to her recent induction into the Medical Academy.

Further discussion of plans with a counselor may include discussing blended or traditional class options, opting for AP or Dual Credit level courses, and planning the steps students take to have enough graduation credits.

“[My counselor] gave me a lot of recommendations on what classes I should take and what classes I don’t have to take, so I knew what I needed to have for my senior year to be able to graduate,” Patel said.

Overall, counselors wish to make the course selection process this year less overwhelming for students through these meetings and do so by reiterating the idea students are only making plans for next year; these meetings do not mean that schedules are finalized for students.

Counselors genuinely want what is best for their students, so having individual meetings with each student fulfills their needs and goals for their high school goals.

“You don’t know that all students have the time or take the time to go through all of the materials that are provided to help with the process,” Frasor said. “So this way, meeting with students individually, I can kind of pull out and show them things and kind of get that information to them

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in a way that I think is more likely to happen.”

Even after a student completes the graduation requirements for a specific subject, other classes within the subject count as elective credit. All the courses a student takes throughout their high school career will count towards graduation.

This revised system for course selection is fairly new, especially after a large increase in student population and the pandemic years. Still, it is a primary step to ensure that students do not have complications when the 2023-24 year starts in August.

“So there may be some things we need to do differently next year in order to prepare students for these meetings. In fact, I know there is,” Miller said. “But overall, I think this is a step in the right direction in terms of connecting students with our counselors and making sure that they know that we’re here to help them and to help them make good choices for the future.”

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Carol Stream, Illinois

an unknown program

LIGHT program’s new location changes presents an issue for District 158 families

By Megan Curry

District 158 offers hundreds of programs for students with varying interests and needs. They offer over 30 competitive athletic and activity programs, multiple elementary and middle schools and hundreds of classes to meet the interests of their 8,000 students.

One of the most notable and well-received programs works with special education students who need

assistance with transitioning to their adult life after graduation.

The LIGHT program is designed for 18-to-22-year-old students with special education needs and help them develop a vocational career, independent living skills, community integration, safety and wellness, self-advocacy and functional academics. The program has reached their 10 year anniversary and grown to become one of the best transitional programs in northern Illinois.

As the high school, and the LIGHT program, grows more in attendance every year, it has been hard to meet the needs of over 3,000 students in

one building.

“As the [LIGHT] program needed to expand, the high school didn’t have the space, given the growth the high school is experiencing,” superintendent Scott Rowe said. “The LIGHT program needed more space [and] the high school did not have the physical space.”

This has been a topic of discussion since February, with the District 158 Board of Education presenting a plan to implement changes to the LIGHT program at their Feb. 10 meeting. They presented various options to improve the LIGHT program such as building a new facility, leasing or buying the Union Square property, adding new additions to the schools on the Square Barn campus or renovating a wing at Martin Elementary School.

As a temporary solution to the problem that both the high school and the program were facing, the board of education and the Special Education Department decided to move the LIGHT program to Marlowe Middle School, which is big enough to provide the space they needed to grow. Many parents were not happy with these changes, and many took to the board of education meeting on Nov. 3 to voice their concerns. You can read more about this meeting on huntleyvoice.com.

“These kids are the most vulnerable because they lost a year and a half of real education and life experience due to the pandemic and now they’re shoved into the middle school, where they do not belong,” LIGHT program parent Maria Schuring said.

Despite these location changes, the program itself stayed the same through the transition. The program does not have a set curriculum, each of the classes are designed to meet the needs of the students’ individualized education plans. Therefore, each student works on activities that help them reach their goals listed in their IEPs.

“[The LIGHT program] includes hands-on activities, community based instruction, as well as academic

Scott Rowe at the LIGHT program parent meeting.

G. Watt

instruction in reading, writing and math,” said assistant superintendent of special services Rocio Del Castillo. These concerns, as well as an introduction to new additions, were addressed at a LIGHT program parent meeting held on Tuesday Dec. 6 at MMS. Around 40 current and future LIGHT parents gathered to learn more about the new enactments and to discuss actions moving forward.

The meeting started with Garrett Beier, who is the department chair of horticulture and entrepreneurial agriculture at McHenry County College, discussing the new hydroponic planting that will be implemented in the upcoming school years.

Beier discussed how MCC will be hosting the plant in their greenhouse and will be teaching LIGHT students how to grow their own crops and take care of plants. Parents were very eager to see the impacts on their children.

“We’re looking to expand what MCC does in support of our program and we’ve been specifically talking with them about their hydroponic planting greenhouse,” Rowe said. “The public facing business that the LIGHT program wants to expand with MCC and they’re going to begin working with our students on this concept of hydroponic planting.”

Sue Waughon, executive director of special services, then discussed what the LIGHT program is to newcomer parents and how students will be prepared for the world. As well as explained their tier system, where students in tiers one and two will be primarily at MMS, working towards meeting their IEP goals and working with MCC a few times a week. Students in tiers three and four will

that were presented at the Feb. 10 meeting, with all of the solutions and their pros and cons. Two ideas were presented: build a new building entirely or add a renovation to the high school that is specifically designed to be for LIGHT.

“A board member expressed interest that [their] preference would be to build a standalone facility. And I think that’s everyone’s desire, best case scenario, I’d love to build a building just for the LIGHT Program,” Rowe said.

After their presentations, parents were open to hold a discussion with Rowe, Del Castillo and Waughan voicing their concerns and opinions. Many were outraged that some of these implementations will not be in effect for a few years, leaving out their children who will have left the district by then. Others were wanting a more actionable solution that would affect their children now.

The meeting led Rowe, Del Castillo and Waughon to work on solutions that would not only positively affect the current members, but also new members. These solutions are to be presented at a later date, with more input from the LIGHT program parents.

The LIGHT program is expected to open a storefront in the upcoming year to sell the candles, soap and future products that they make. Although a permanent home for this storefront is not yet decided, the program has been looking at a couple of locations located in and out of the Huntley.

Although it may not be discussed as much as other topics, the board of education and the special education department are working hard to make sure that these students are cared for. The LIGHT program has been successful the past 10 years, and with these new ideas and implementations, they are sure to see a rise in student interest and welfare.

Check out more articles on news on huntleyvoice.com!

LIGHT Program parents voice concerns.

G. Watt

EYE CARE Family

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For over 16 years, Advanced Eyecare has been providing HHS families with superior eye exams and glasses/ contacts in a family-friendly setting. In addition to having a wide variety of the latest frames, both doctors provide disease management, dry eye treatment, hard to fit contact lenses and immediate care for injuries.

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Celebrating 65 Years of Sisterhood, Leadership and Friendship

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A well-rounded academic weapon

Mark Sobolewski’s dedication to his education brings him to participate in multiple extracurricular activities

By Daniel Przybylko

Coming home after an exhausting day at school, senior Mark Sobolewski looks at his planner to see what is on his long list of priorities. Whether it’s the homework from his difficult classload or something for the many organizations he is a part of, he always has something on his to-do list. Sobolewski is part of Recognizing American Diversity Club, Student Council, National Honor Society, Link Crew, Tennis, piano lessons and HOSA Club.

This stressful lifestyle has followed him through most of his years of school, but he has managed to continue succeeding. While the work requires a ton of effort, his dream of becoming an anaesthesiologist keeps him motivated and he is well on his way to achieving that dream.

Going into high school, Sobolewski realized how important working towards a career is. An interest in medicine from earlier years and those around him sparked a passion for studies in the medical field. Being a part of HOSA has provided him with the opportunity to pursue his dreams, but also taught him about responsibility and leadership.

“It taught me to be more useful in our school,” Sobolewski said.

Not only did he grow as a person, but he also got introduced to many new events and people. He was hesitant at first, however he has been able to become far more open in the school and use whatever resources the organization has offered him.

“It’s been kind of nice to see him break out of his shell a little bit. He’s definitely more talkative,” HOSA advisor Coline Wise said.

Looking up to his older friends for inspiration, Sobolewski had a strong example of the things he wanted to do in highschool. As he got used to

the high school environment, he began to express himself more towards friends and peers. During his junior year, Sobolewski decided to join Link Crew to be a mentor to the freshman.

“The Link Crew kids love him, I feel from the first day they met him,” said Link Crew partner Lyndsey Bajgrowicz.

As Link Crew leader, Sobolewski completely embodies the role of a mentor.

Sparking conversation and friendliness amongst his underclassmen makes him a strong role model for the freshman to look up to and follow as they grow as students.

He enjoys being able to pass down the information he has learned in his

ages to get his work done and thrive in class. However, Sobolewski is the perfect example of balancing school work with fun.

“[Being in] the super difficult classes that we’ve had to take gives him this sense of maturity,” Zimolzak said. “But he’s really chill and he’s able to not only get his work done, [but he’s] a fun person to be around.”

In all aspects, Sobolewski represents an amazing student. He pursues his goals, remains a good and funny friend, and serves as a mentor to the freshman. While many may not have the same aspirations of being an doctor, the determination and kindness Sobolewski displays are part

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A “Clue” about his passion

K. Walsh Selimi on stage performing as Colonel Mustard.

Sam Selimi surprises the audience with a twist

By Natalie Vongchanh

Bang” by AJR plays in the background while Colonel Mustard is the first to enter the stage. He is then followed by Mrs. White, Mrs. Peacock, Mr. Green, Professor Plum, and Miss Scarlet; all characters from the game “Clue.”

The music is on beat with the actors as they walk across the stage and get into position. The stage lights are dark and red. All of the actors stand on pedestals, just like in the board game.

“Bang! Bang! Bang!”

Let the game begin.

Junior Sam Selimi plays Colonel Mustard in the play “Clue,” found his calling through acting in theater. From playing a chef in “The Little Mermaid” to directing a One Acts play, he is steps closer to pursuing his goal of filmmaking.

Selimi got his first role in sixth grade with the “The Little Mermaid.” His sister, Miriam Selimi, encouraged him to audition. Since then, his love for theater has grown. He has acted in shows such as “Shrek the Musical,” “Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “High Fidelity,” and a few improvisational sh ows.

Being involved in theater has helped Selimi grow out of his shell and become a better actor. Selimi recommends new actors face the audience and give their characters a personality.

Speaking loud and clear is crucial for performing in front of an audience.

One of Selimi’s most significant role models is his partner, Mackenzie Blake.

“Those little things that he always picks up on with voices and body language,” senior Mackenzie Blake said. “The way he delivers his lines is comedy. Gold.”

Selimi can mimic different accents and tones on the spot by ear. He pays attention to intricate details and can pull off a Scottish and British accent perfectly. His talent for acting is beyond

average.

“It doesn’t matter how you feel or how your character would want to be on the stage,” Selimi said. “It’s about how you as an actor are presenting your story to the audience.”

No role is too big or too small for Selimi. Different behaviors and tones of the voice change the actor’s presence and make them memorable.

His most recent role is Colonel Mustard in the play, “Clue,” which is a mysterious, yet comedic show where a man is blackmailing six people. There are several murders throughout the show, but the cast has a humorous take on it. The audience was entertained and laughed loudly at all the jokes and stunts the actors made.

“You know, I would have thought better of Mr. Boddy,” Selimi said.

Viewers on social media loved their unexpected mishap. The scene was posted on TikTok and received almost 200,000 likes and 1 million views in under 24 hours.

Even though there were a few minor bumps, the actors handled the situations professionally, making sure to act smoothly through improvisation.

“The actors were drilling [the play] for so long that we knew our stuff,” Selimi said.

Every part stood out, and each character was portrayed uniquely. The cast performed phenomenally and did not disappoint.

“The [performance] in Clue is his best yet,” director Christine DeFrancesco said. “[Sam] is always ready to joke and make people laugh. But [when] we just have to work, it’s time to work, and he gets his stuff done.

After the play, Sam came out of the Performing Arts Center to greet his family. His parents were proud and happy for him as they hugged him, celebrating his accomplishments and performance of the night.

Playing the role of Colonel Mustard, Selimi wore a light tan colored suit paired with a thick mustache to fit the board game character. The accent he makes throughout the show goes well with the 1950s theme, giving an animated feel to the show. As a result, the audience can feel more relaxed and free to laugh through his subtle jokes throughout the play.

Not only did they successfully keep the audience entertained, but their skillful improvisation showed on the first night.

During opening night, Wadsworth, played by Zach Barnavos, attempted to open a door, but it immediately fell off its hinges.

“Oh dear!” said Zach Ulmer in response, who acted as Mr. Green.

“It is an old house,” Barnvos said. Barnvos tried his best not to let go of the door and placed it gently to the side. The actors were stunned, but they gracefully continued the show.

Selimi’s dedication to theater is something to cherish, and he is undoubtedly successful through motivation. In addition, he has a bright,

It’s about how you as an actor are presenting your story to the audience

Sam Selimi

K. Walsh

feature on web huntleyvoice.com

Our staff works together to create an engaging and informational website for and about our community. The website includes daily uploads of galleries, videos, articles, and more. Staffers write articles about current events in Huntley. In addition, each staffer is given the opportunity to express themsleves through a fun, personal assignment. We hope to keep growing our community engagement. Be sure to check out huntleyvoice.com for a sneak peek of our content featured below.

Feature Article

article written by A. Panier

During the last cycle, Abby Panier wrote a feature article on Billy Pahl, a Huntley High School junior who is jumpstarting his future by graduating a year early. The article provides a great insight on Pahl’s school life and what he plans to do post-high school. See more feature articles like this and many more on the website.

Personality Article

video created by E. McCoy

On the website and the Huntley Voice YouTube channel, Emma McCoy shows her audience what a day is like as a cheerleader. During this video, she interviews other cheerleaders and walks the viewers through her practice. See more videos and columns like this one on the Huntley Voice YouTube channel and the website’s multimedia page.

Photo Gallery

photos shot by K. Nash

Photographer Kathleen Nash photographed the girls basketball team’s home game against Boylan Catholic. Her photos showcase the skills and hustle that the team brought in what ended up being a win. See more photo galleries on the website.

Making history one class at a time

A. Cobb Lee working hard to create a positive environment for his students.

Xavier Lee’s journey of making history memorable

By Sharon Omoniyi

Most students long for a teacher who creates a loving, fun environment. A space that has the power to reform and influence a student’s thinking in a positive light. An environment that inspires and motivates.

One of Huntley’s many teachers, Xavier Lee, emphasizing this goal. A new addition to the social studies department, he strives to create a comfortable setting for his students and himself. In a repetitive cycle such as schooling, his unique perspective of learning shines through his students.

Before each period starts, he can be seen in front of his classroom, greeting his students before they walk in. To make daily lessons more engaging and interactive, Lee creates analytic sources with background information so his students can

interesting day regardless,” Xavier Lee said.

His fun and outgoing personality creates a relaxed classroom environment. Describing himself as inquisitive, he is always looking for new ways to support his students in any way he can. He is constantly motivated to include narratives of history that are not frequently highlighted in U.S. History class. As an Asian American, he feels history has not shone a light on the impact Asian Americans have made in the U.S.

“Being a social studies teacher is giving kids that role model,” Lee said. “But also allows me to show people that don’t generally look alike, possibly many people here at the high school, [they] still had a big impact on U.S. History.”

He hopes to develop into a role of slowly representing all of the student population at Huntley. Adjusting to his new life as a teacher, having been a former student, has been interesting for him as he gets an indepth understanding of the roles and responsibilities of being in this career line.

Other staff in the social studies department find him to be a thoughtful educator.

“He seems like somebody who makes it his mission to understand the content, and he has high standards for his students and also deeply wants to connect with them,” said Brian Traux, head of the social studies department.

By doing so, he derived a passion for teaching. Recalling his history as a student, U.S. History teacher Todd Swartzloff describes Lee as a hard worker and an intelligent individual.

“You could tell he was thinking about whatever it was that we were covering in class, he would still want to ask questions about it after class, or he’d want to talk to me about something,” Swartzloff said.

Outside of teaching, he is the assistant coach of the chess team and can be seen practicing with the team while preparing to go back to state. He plays with the jazz band at Huntley, having been a part of the band as a student. On certain days after school, he tutors at a local tutoring organization. Having a strong work ethic, he is inspired to do his best in all aspects of his life.

With his experience as a Huntley High School student, he is able to create a greater connection with his students while he relates more to their struggles.

As his journey commences, Lee hopes to be a source of inclusivity and comfort for his students to create a purposeful environment at Huntley.

answer important questions and form their interpretation of the world. His students find this to be more effective than delivering a lecture the entire class period.

“He engages more with the students and walks around the room instead of just standing in the front of the class, just lecturing,” junior Shaun Miller said.

“I’ll ring the cowbell first hour, sometimes other classes,making sure I’m a positive energy in the room, that at least that I’m semi energetic, to say the least, to make sure that kids know that it’s going to be an

Lee does his best to make sure his students are comprehending the topics they are being taught in its full authenticity. He relies in other mentor teachers to help build him up to becoming a veteran teacher.

“The teacher community here has been really positive,” Lee said. “There’s a lot of supportive teachers here that I can turn to.”

Paying attention and utilizing topics being taught in class were Lee’s tendencies. He channeled the knowledge he acquired by using it to help other students in his classroom.

He has high standards for his students and also deeply wants to connect with them Brian Traux

A.Cobb

T. Rainey

Is the fizz worth the bizz?

Celsius and BUBBL’R are now sold at Huntley with no regulations on the amount of caffeine in these drinks despite the negative effects they have on students’ health

By Emmy Byers

Walking into the lunch line, you open the refrigerator, reach down, and grab one of the colorful cans of BUBBL’R on the bottom shelf. You check out and head to your lunch table. You crack into the drink and take a few sips before joining in on a conversation with your friends.

One of your friends goes to the cafe to get a coffee. Everyone stands up to

head over, continuing the conversation about the class last hour. While in line, one of your other friends grabs a Celsius to have with their lunch.

Many students do not know exactly what they are consuming outside of what these brands want you to know about, which makes it hard to decide. Like all refreshments, these fizzy drinks have their benefits and defects.

Energy drinks do what they are prescribed to: increase the consumers energy. However, just because the drink becomes a trend does not make it completely safe nor healthy.

“They make me feel really hungry all of the time and I feel like I’m [going to] throw up,” sophomore

Madelyn Stien said.

Stien has had a few Celsius and BUBBL’Rs, and has had some unpleasant outcomes from the drink. Celsius speeds up the consumer’s metabolism, and without any food to slow it down, the drink causes hunger to settle in. With students not having enough time to have a snack throughout the day, there is no way to end their hunger.

The biggest issue with the drinks is

We don’t monitor the caffeine amount itself Richard Reed

the rules and regulations surrounding their lack of availability. According to Richard Reed, who runs the food and nutrition program for all of the District 158 schools, Huntley High School will sell a drink as long as it does not exceed the 10 calorie limit for a 12 ounce portion.

“We don’t monitor the caffeine amount itself,” Reed said.

out the day because a teenager’s frontal lobes are not fully developed. The frontal lobe is the part of the brain that handles decision making, emotions, and long term memory.

Just like any other legal drug, caffeine is a legal stimulant, which makes it easy to access. With a great intake of caffeine daily, several cognitive functions can be severely reduced.

and colors, it is hard to choose which one to pick.

“I like [the drinks] and when I can’t buy coffee, they give me the energy [I need],” sophomore Madison Diaz said.

Madelyn

Anyone under the age of 18 is recommended to have less than 100 milligrams of caffeine in a day. While a BUBBL’R can stays under the limit with only 69 milligrams of caffeine, Celsius exceeds the recommended amount with about 200 milligrams per can.

There are 200 milligrams in one can of Celsius; however, students that have more than one can a day are putting themselves in danger because of the high levels of caffeine.

Energy drinks are an alternative to keeping a person awake during the day. They give someone energy if they have a sport or extracurricular activity that needs their full attention. If too many drinks are consumed in a day, it can cause an increased or irregular heart beat, insomnia and anxiety.

If a student does not limit themselves, they can become dependent on these drinks to function through -

Since the frontal lobe of the brain is not fully developed, and students experience the atmosphere of peer pressure, they feel obligated to be like everyone else and get their hands on these drinks. This has created a huge profit for the company, along with extra money for the school, so these drinks may be in the halls of Huntley for a long time.

However, the drinks come with more than just negatives; there are many benefits to drinking either BUBBL’R or Celsius.

Just like the labels on the drinks say, they both have a great source of vitamins, including B3 and B5. They are gluten-free, soy-free, have low glycemic levels, and are vegan. Plus, there is the promised bonus of caffeine as well.

B3, also called Niacin, helps improve cholesterol levels and boosts brain functions. Pantothenic Acid, which is B5, plays a critical role in red blood cell creation and maintaining a healthy digestive tract. These are not crucial in an everyday diet, but can help the body maintain a healthy balance.

Celsius is sold at the cafe, and BUBBL’R is sold in both the cafeteria and the vending machines, making the drinks accessible for students. Along with a wide variety of flavors

Emmy Byers is a writer on The Voice, it is her first year on staff. In her free time, Emmy hangs out with friends, crochets, and listens to music. She likes to learn new things about the human body and learn about different plans that have touched our blue sky. Check out her vlog “HHS Get to Know You” on huntleyvoice.com!

Celsius and BUBBL’Rs became the most popular drink when they were entered into the school. Students are able to recommend drinks and snacks they want to be sold in the school to the staff members in charge of the food department. As long as they fit the guidelines from the United States Department of Agriculture and are not too expensive, they can be sold at Huntley High School.

One of the biggest questions is why other energy drinks are not sold here. Monsters and Redbulls have been seen throughout the halls; however, these are more expensive than Celsius and BUBBL’Rs. With high prices of aluminum, it is more difficult to get bigger canned drinks depending on the company’s prices.

Celsius and BUBBL’R drinks are going to stay in the Huntley High School hallways for months to come, so it will be hard to avoid drinking either. They are both popular, and they are the cheapest options.

Students start to think that they need energy drinks, especially if a quick boost of energy is needed after a long night of studying or before an extracurricular event. However, some of the flaws of these drinks may help you avoid drinking two energy drinks a day; especially, if you are only buying one to join in on the daily cafe runs.

I like [the drinks] and when I can’t buy coffee, they give me the energy [I need] Madison Diaz

They make me feel really hungry all of the time and I feel like I’m [going to] throw up

Stien

Trainers’ room adapts to new school year, changed environment

Student athletes lackthe bond and freedom to socialize.

By Sophie Thompson

The trainers’ office is the place to be for students participating in high school athletics.

According to weinsteininjurylawyer. com, almost 90% of high school athletes, in the United States, reported

having sports-related injuries that needed medical or trainer assistance.

In previous years, athletes would spend time laughing and socializing while getting taped, iced, or stretching. It was a great opportunity for athletes of all different sports to come together and have fun before their stressful practices began. Recently, students noticed there are fewer athletes in the room. Although this may be a more orga -

One Word to Describe Sophie: social

Sophie Thompson is a social media editor and a first year staff writer for the Voice. Sophie is a captain of Huntley’s varsity cheerleading program and is in the National Honors Society. In her free time, she likes to spend time with friends and family. Check out her vlog “Creek or Crack” on huntleyvoice.com!

nized system, personable with extra one-on-one time, and efficient in helping athletes, was the easy-going nature and strong connections lost as a result?

I am a three year varsity cheerleader, and I have been getting taped by the trainers since my freshman year. Being an athlete, I have seen the atmosphere of the trainers’ office change, as I had a strong connection with the previous athletic trainers.

Huntley’s new athletic trainers, Nick Medina and Sarah Jakubek, started athletic training and sports physical therapy for Huntley over the summer. Medina had previous experience at Harvard High School and has been an athletic trainer for 20 years. Jakubek is new to athletic training.

“It was weird [at first] in the summertime,” Medina said. “Kelsey was still working here, and she was

L. Langkan

showing me how she did [athletic training].”

Since then, the trainers’ room and environment quickly changed; athletes are required to sign in via Google form every time they come in. They are only allowed to be in the trainers’ office if they require help. Having to sign in to be in the room has been a significant takeaway from the athletes, as it limits their access.

“I was a lot more comfortable with the old trainers; they were just more laid back. I rely on the trainers [frequently] and I’ve had injuries that have needed assistance in order to practice,” varsity dancer Avery Peters said.

Many athletes have agreed with Peters. They miss being able to be in the office with their friends whenever they please, even if they do not need assistance from the trainers themselves.

With this revoked, many athletes have been unable to step foot within the office. Water and ice buckets have been moved outside the room, restricting athletes from entering if they just need a refill.

Due to these limitations, athletes desire the connections they once had. With time, these bonds will form and become stronger.

“We tend to be strict,” Medina said. “It’s not because we don’t care, but it’s because we have to hold a strong

line with teenagers.”

The new system is run more precisely with less chaos. The trainers themselves give athletes that have an injury more time and attention. This may lead to better health results, quicker injury recovery, and a way for the new trainers to connect quickly with the athletes. The Google form sign-in process has also been an effective way to learn names quicker to form stronger connections.

profession.

“We are the eyes and ears when the trainers are not around,” student athletic trainer Meghan Ryan said. “We have walkie-talkies [like the trainers] and we know how to perform first aid.”

Students have been given this opportunity alongside the previous and current trainers. Student trainers report that all the trainers have been amazing, and it has been very informative to see the different styles and ways of treatment.

“I love [student athletic training]. It is super interesting to volunteer and get real-life experience, especially if you do not know what you want to do for a career,” student athletic trainer Katie Mitchell said.

“The athletes and I have a pretty strong relationship,” Jakubek said. “They respect me, and I respect them. It’s nice to see athletes consistently to form a bond and be able to speak about things related to school or everyday life outside of sports.”

Student trainers have also connected with the trainers and gained a strong understanding of how to tape and help out when needed. They can shadow when accidents happen and gain interest if they want to do this

L. Langkan

The training and injury assistance has been solid and consistent throughout the years by all trainers Huntley has had. No matter how the office is run or what trainers are in it, students still leave happily with the confidence that their bodies will be able to support them throughout their practices.

“One commonality between our predecessors and Sarah and Nick is that they are very dedicated to kids and making sure they return [to sports] in a healthy and safe way,” athletic director Glen Wilson said.

It can be difficult to accommodate a large school with huge shoes to fill. It’s hard to have to make various connections with athletes of all different seasons of sports so quickly.

However, having a comfortable place for athletes to come to is vital for the growth of the solidarity between the trainers and the athletes, along with an athlete’s physical well-being.

Change may be challenging, but it is essential for the growth of Huntley and the athletic program. We thank all the trainers that have put dedication and worked hard into helping our athletes. With the trainers being so new, it is an excellent opportunity for student athletes to bond with them and get helpful experience.

I was a lot more comfortable with the old trainers; they were just more laid back Avery Peters

Ava Ladewyck

Grade Freshman Activities Dance, golf, Silver Cord

Favorite TV Show Grey’s Anatomy Star Sign Taurus

they would say...

I’ve been taking dance classes since I was three and I started dancing competitively when I was eight, and through that I’ve gotten many different experiences. I spend lots of time at my dance studio and it’s helped me get better with time management, school, and homework. Dancing competitively has allowed me to work with professional dancers and strive to learn and improve on my technique. I enjoy performing on stage because it allows me to show what I have learned and what I can do. Now, I get to share my love and knowledge of dance with younger dancers as an assistant dance teacher. The positive support and encouragement from my dance teachers and teammates has inspired me to be my best.

If these halls

Cali Gast

could talk

they would say...

I’ve done a lot of sports, but Colorguard has to be my favorite. It’s definitely a lot of physical work, but it’s changed me. It’s one of my [best] high school experiences. The team is very inclusive and I feel like it’s a skill that not a lot of people can do. The idea of it is a little scary, but going out on the football field and getting to dance with a flag [is amazing]. When we went to Bands of America this year, I actually got to meet a college Colorguard athlete - she performed at a Colts football game once. We did some skills together, she took me out into the stadium, and I got to see around. She is definitely one of the biggest role models for me.

interviewed by Abby Panier & photos by A. Panier and provided by Cali Gast

Grade Junior Activities

Colorguard, dance, track Favorite TV Show

Grey’s Anatomy Star Sign Cancer

Administration: It’s cold outside!

Students’ concerns

weather

By Prianca Waters

Senior Lin Kelleher readies herself before getting out of her car. It is snowing outside, but not the light, fluffy snow that comes down gracefully. This is snow that comes with heavy wind that she has to physically prepare for. While battling wind and snowflakes and trying to cover her face, and starts the trek to Door 1.

Kelleher gets through the parking lot, whistfully looking back at Door 4 as she goes around the corner. Door 1 seems like miles away, but she keeps going. If she does not, she will be late for her next class. It is one straight path that does not seem to be getting any shorter. After what seems like forever, when she is sure that her fingers are frozen, she finally arrives.

Kelleher gets inside the building to scan in, starting to warm up after her journey. While this is quite the adventure, students like her should not have to go through this every day during the winter, because the only door that they can come in through is far from where they have to park.

“The weather kind of sucks, especially [the] wind,” Kelleher said. “Walking towards it feels like I am walking through a tornado.”

At the moment, Door 1 is the only door that students can use to leave

during the school day. Especially as the weather gets colder, students grow more and more frustrated as they have to walk back and forth between Door 1 and the student parking lot, which is closer to Door 4 and Door 10.

“Anywhere you park, you have to walk a long distance in usually cold, horrible weather,” said Jessica Roberts, another senior who has late arrival.

Door 10 has been opened before, specifically last year, but only

T. Rainey

extremely cold weather. While it has been done, it has never been seen as something that would remain permanent. With that in mind, opening another door during the winter season is something that should definitely be considered.

What makes this year different from others, in terms of this issue happening again, is the amount of staff available. Moreover, with the increase of staff, there are now enough to be able to watch another entrance of the building.

“In terms of [staff] numbers, I think this year we could do something probably more than we ever have in the last four,” said Tom Kempf, the associate principal of building and grounds.

While opening multiple doors poses a security, opening either Door 4 or

about cold

when leaving during the school day

Prianca Waters is a sophomore and a first-year staff writer for the Voice. She bowls for the girls bowling team and does marching band. Her favorite subject is math and outside of school she reads, does puzzles, and participates in a bowling league with her brothers.

One Word to Describe Prianca: dedicated

“The First to Die at the End” on the top shelf of the Hot Picks section at the library.

Reader warning: the heart is “The First to Die at the End”

Adam Silvera comes back with the prequel to the widely loved “They Both Die at the End”

By Taryn Rainey

You scan the aisles of the Huntley Area Public Library’s young adult section, trying to find a book that catches your eye. All of the books you are finding are either ones that you have already read or seem boring.

Even the new books displayed on their own shelf are lackluster in their covers and the summaries are too simple.

What does not help is the quiet

library that makes your thoughts too loud as you weigh your choices.

Then you spot it.

On the top shelf sits a blue book with white lettering running down its spine. The prequel to one of your favorite books. The book that ripped your heart out at the end.

“The First to Die at the End” is sure to bring the same somber feelings that “They Both Die at the End” did.

There is always hope for the main characters to live, but the defining call ends the heart’s debate.

Adam Silvera is a world renowned author for his books, but he went viral on TikTok for “They Both Die at the End” last year. Even though

the book was the New York Times, USA, United Kingdom, and Australia bestseller, “They Both Die at the End” did not rise to fame until it became a favorite book for many users.

“The First to Die at the End” followed suit by breaking readers’ hearts and gaining the same awards its predecessor had. “The First to Die at the End” was published Oct. 4, 2022, and it has stayed on the Huntley Area Public Library’s hot picks shelf.

However, the true precursor is “The First to Die at the End,” as it marks the beginning of Death-Cast on July 31, 2010 in New York City.

Death-Cast is a national program that calls people to tell them that

T. Rainey

they will die in the next 24 hours. Though it is meant to bring comfort to the person as well as their family and friends, the debut of Death-Cast brings a wave of fear. The citizens of the United States think it will only bring the end of the world.

While this panic about the end of the world brings a start of new lives, Silvera tells the main characters stories through their perspectives and other people’s as well.

Valentino Prince and Orion Pagan meet close to midnight on DeathCast Eve in Times Square where the screens only show an hourglass ticking down to midnight.

Prince moved to New York to restart his life from his old one in Arizona and to pursue modeling. His sister, Scarlet Prince, is soon to follow in only a few hours, and she is his reason for being in Time Square; he needs to enjoy the city on his first night.

Pagan is there with his best friend, Dalma Young, as the two never spend any time apart. Besides, they want to see if the world will truly end at midnight.

Pagan wants Death-cast to be a real thing instead of the end of the world. Pagan has been in and out of the hospital his entire life due to a life threatening heart condition.

As the hourglass brings the start of Death-Cast, a new relationship begins with the chimes of midnight.

Prince and Pagan feel it was destiny to become partners, but as they are brought together, one call splits them apart.

One of them will die today.

One of them will not be able to spend the next day with the other.

That does not mean they cannot spend the End Day together.

Prince has never seen the city before, so Pagan shows him to his favorite spots. No matter who dies,

Author Adam Silvera has written nine books, several of which are national and international bestsellers. He also reviews children’s and young adult novels.

their End Day will be filled with life.

Prince can become a model like he has always dreamed. Pagan can finally feel safe dating another guy.

2010 would never accept same-sex couples, but Pagan and Prince’s love creates an ever-lasting effect on everyone they meet on their adventure. Even in the short hours they are able to spend with each other, Prince and Pagan affect each other’s lives. They both finally live because of the call that should have made it impossible to grow together.

Though the book seems to lead the reader into content through its winding chapters, Silvera kills off one of the main characters. The reader always knew it was coming, but they always keep some false hope.

The book is 550 pages long with short, yet lively chapters.

However, the book tends to catch itself when it leans too close to the depressing side. While the theme is learning to move on after death, “The First to Die at the End” tries to tell the reader to live their life before worrying about their own death. Pagan and Prince lead by example; especially since Pagan shows Prince all the best places for them to spend their day.

Then in the last chapters, they are filled with the pain the reader has forgotten will come at the end of the book.

You shut the book with tears streaming down your face. You could not finish the story without starting to cry, so you had to shut the book with 50 pages left before restarting.

Those 50 pages did not end up helping, for the words get blurry as you try to finish the book.

You open up your Goodreads and press the button to show you finished the book.

Though shutting the hard cover is satisfying, you do not want to bring the book back to the library. You cannot let the characters go, even though you have to let them go.

Check out more articles on book reviews on huntleyvoice.com!

T. Rainey

The problem comes with getting the available staff to take the time out of their day to watch the doors.

most likely man those doors and there are currently eight supervisors, leaving enough to be able to have one assigned at another entrance. They, along with anyone else who would watch that door, would need to work out a schedule to ensure the safety of the school.

school shootings and other terrible events show that having one point of entrance is going to create the safest public building. If opening either Door 4 or Door 10 were to happen, there would need to be strict procedures to make sure the school remains safe. Underclassmen should not be leaving campus and the upperclassmen who are allowed need to be scanning in and out of the building.

“We’re not telling you [that] you have to leave, you’re choosing to leave,” Kempf said. “But we need to control the safety. Security of the building isn’t always going to be convenient.”

Students do not need to leave the building during their blended classes, self-guided study halls or lunch periods, but many still do. If a new entrance is going to be added, students must be willing to follow the existing safety measures and expectations.

“There are a lot of things that are bigger than our immediate control,” Kempf said. “But I would always encourage students to advocate for themselves and advocate for the needs of the student body.”

With that being said, administrators should not brush this off. There is a way to ensure students are not walking long distances outside during inclement weather while still keeping the school safe. This is something that means a lot to students and it should not be ignored, so please help us out here!

Owners LaShanda and Joseph Lewis recently expanded their online business into a tea shop

By Maya Hiermann

As we shift into the chilly season and cram for finals, The Irie Cup is the perfect place to grab a cup of piping hot tea, study with friends, and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere. This local hotspot is in downtown Huntley, and recently opened on Dec. 2.

The founders, married couple LaShanda and Joseph Lewis, aspire to create the ultimate tea oasis with tasty Caribbean-inspired flavors.

In 2020, when the pandemic resulted in isolation and many shops being closed, LaShanda and Joseph took it as an opportunity to turn their tea shop dreams into a reality. They began to research the essentials and details of opening a flourishing business.

From then on, they have appeared at the Huntley Farmers Market every weekend and created a website to sell their teas.

The Lewis’ ultimate inspiration was their families and wanting to share their beliefs of wellness to others. By seeing what their parents have achieved, LaShanda and Joseph were encouraged to fulfill their dreams and encouraged to set a legacy for their children. Along with family, they were motivated by their philosophies and wanting to educate others on the health benefits of plants, fruits and herbs.

“We’re really taking a conscious effort to understand what we’re putting in our body and how we can use natural herbs or organic herbs to promote wellness, instead of only relying solely on artificial medicine,” Joseph said.

Unlike store-bought teas, their teas are handcrafted with a wide variety of unique flavors. They have traditional ingredients that you would typically find in teas. However, they

The Irie Cup is brewing it up in the square

also include uncommon flavors, such as ginger, carrots, and beets which blend together flawlessly.

They have a wide selection of teas to accommodate everyone’s likings. They have black teas, green teas, wellness teas, iced teas, decaffeinated teas, fruit teas, and even single herb teas. That being said, some teas are only seasonal, but with the great assortment, there are more than enough tea choices for each season.

Not only does The Irie Cup serve flavorful and refreshing Jamaican teas, it also is intended to be a quiet space where students can study for upcoming finals and work on homework. Although The Irie Cup is closed on Mondays and Sundays and opens from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., you can always stop by in your spare time.

“It’s right by our high school so I know during some blended classes or early release, people will go there,” sophomore Sofia Bruns said.

Furthermore, it is also designed as a space for people to take a break

you can just relax and take your mind off of.”

The newly painted mint walls, the smooth wood tiles and the pleasantly sweet aroma lingering throughout the air gives the shop a homier environment to their customers. It provides the perfect opportunity to sit down unwind and drink a warm, comforting cup of tea.

“We call it our tea oasis: somewhere you can come and relax and enjoy a cup of tea to kind of get away from the fast pace of life,”

Joseph said.

Check out more info on

M. Hiermann

M. Hiermann

Caribbean Tea History: Quick Facts:

• the Spanish, French, and English had colonies in the Caribbean during imperialism

• tea was discovered by Europeans in the 15th century

• 16th century: Aztecs, Mayans, and native communities worked on sugar plantations to meet demand of tea sweetener

• natives of the islands started using the herbs and native plants for a variety of healing purposes and incorporated it into their tea

• Caribbean islands now produce quality bush and herb tea

Popular Tea:

• Green & black tea

◦ extracted from Camellia Sinen sis plant

◦ green tea improves general health; black tea improves gut health and detoxes

• Bush tea

◦ made from natural medicinal herbs

◦ used to treat ailments, diseases, and infections

• Cocoa tea

◦ made from cocoa plant

• Hibiscus tea

◦ made from tropical flowers

◦ regulates blood pressure and has other health benefits

• the traditional tea is made from the Camellia Sinensis plant

• the tea is brewed from indigenous herb, roots, and bushes from the Caribbeans

• Caribbean tea has been used to help with all different types of medical and therapeutic needs, from migraines to various illnesses

• it takes around 2,000 leaves to make one pound of tea

• tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world

• there are more than 1,500 different types of teas with various plants and herbs

Walking it off

Huntley was going against Jacobs in the biggest game of the season. It was the fourth quarter. There are about four minutes left on the clock when all of the sudden, wide receiver Bryce Walker’s football season came to an end.

“I was one of the first people to run up to him, I was trying to pick him up, trying to get him up because he had gotten cramps at games before but nothing was as serious as this, and I ended up telling the team to give him space to let the trainer come,” senior quarterback Sam Deligio said.

It was clear to his teammates that something was seriously wrong, and it was not just a cramp like other times.

“He was holding his leg and screaming at the same time,” junior wide reciever Omare Segarra said.

Teammates were in disbelief that one of their players was on the ground, not getting back up with

By Karolina Perkowski

ease.

Something terrible had happened.

“I was on the sidelines during the same, right when he went down, we started jogging out to where he was on the field,” head coach Mike Naymola said. “I was probably 10 yards away and I could see that his bone was broken.”

Deligio started a tunnel for Bryce as he was taken off the field. Bryce had all of his teammates’ support. They are always going to be by his side, especially when they know when he needs them most.

“Everyone on our team got around the cart that was taking him out of there, gave him a hug or dapped him up and that shows how much he was cared for and loved,” Naymola said.

The waiting, the thoughts, the dreadful feeling not knowing what was going on and what needed to be done to get better.

“When I got to the hospital, I was wondering if I had to get surgery, [and] how bad my injury [was],” Bryce said.

Three total surgeries. Bryce had a broken tibia and fibula. He had one surgery at one hospital and then transferred to another hospital for two more surgeries.

“It was just terrifying the first time you go back there, seeing all the big lights, the doctors prepping around you, it got me a little nervous,” Bryce said.

Getting surgery done is a nightmare for a kid, but to have three is even more frightening. For parents, no one wants to see their child in the hospital.

Coaches finally started running up to see what was going on. It was clear that his injury was major.

“I started to go down the stands because he was taking a while and then I saw my aunt and uncle and my dad, they were all coming down and went directly onto the field,” Bryce’s cousin Abriy Walker said.

Family members were starting to worry. No one knew what was going on besides the people on the field with Bryce.

“When my dad got on the field, he looked at me and he was stuck,” Bryce said. “He was frozen looking at my injury. The noise pretty much blacked out.”

It was a life-changing moment for Bryce. He didn’t know what was going on, but he knew it was not going to be good.

“When I first got to the hospital, Coach Gibson came up to me, he told me something was wrong with his leg,” Segarra said. “I went into the back room, the first day [Bryce and I] both were crying because we both knew we weren’t going to play together anymore that season.”

It was no surprise that Bryce’s season was cut short, but it was heartbreaking for everyone on the team to hear the news.

“When we finally did get to see him, he was in good spirits, he was okay,” Abriy said. “It was obviously stressful and I was sobbing, I was sitting out there until I got to see him and see that he was doing all right.”

It was hard for Abriy seeing him get taken to the hospital and having to wait a long period of time before

Bryce Walker works on his strength through physical therapy and strives to come back from his broken leg

Bryce Walker laying in the hospital with his father and Coach Gibson Danekas standing over him.

Courtesy of Vernita Walker

I started to go down the stands because he was taking a while and then I saw my aunt and uncle and my dad, they were all coming down and went directly on the field Abriy Walker

actually being able to see him.

“I saw my mom was scared, she didn’t really know what was going on, she was just asking the doctors how long I was going to be out for and how long everything would take, and when I was going to be back at 100%,” Bryce said.

Recovery will take time before Bryce is back to his best self.

“Initially, we thought everything was going smoothly because neither of us are doctors so we can only go off of what they are telling us,” Bryce’s mother Vernita said. “I thought the service was satisfactory

until they sent us home with almost no pain medication because as what they had told me was the opioid epidemic.”

Not only did he undergo multiple procedures, but he went home with no pain medications. His parents were worried and angry because of the lack of answers provided to get their son help.

“I saw he was upset at first after all of his surgeries, but he knew he was going to get through it,” best friend Lucas Crosby said. “He kept his head up and only thought positive.”

He was getting so much support from all his friends, family members, and teammates.

“Bryce makes me laugh, and it was mostly during practice,” Coach J Michael Slattery said. “He always had a great attitude, he wanted to learn,

he always wanted to learn, he always wanted to get better. Bryce’s smile is something that is infectious for the whole team, he laughs and giggles so the whole team laughs and giggles.”

He was the star player when it came to positivity. He would bring all the joy and laughter to practice and games.

“Bryce played the best role he could after he got hurt,” Deligio said. “Being the best teammate he could, the best cheerleader on the sidelines and just being a system for us to go to if we

needed any help, any questions, or even just motivation. He was always there for us.”

He did not let his injury change the person he was. He still would support and carry the energy with him to spread to everyone.

Recovery has begun for Bryce. He has been setting himself goals and pushing to get back to the athlete he was.

“He’s already doing things against my better judgment but he’s a fighter and he’s determined to get back to

Bryce standing behind Deligio in the Burlington Central football game.

It was just terrifying the first time you go back there, seeing all the big lights, the doctors prepping around you, it got me a little nervous Bryce Walker

A. Cobb

where he was,” Vernita said. “He’s doing physical therapy and he knows what his goals are.”

He may be pushing past his limits, but he knows what he wants to get done.

“I’m trying to play basketball this season, mid-season,” Bryce said. “That’s my goal, and I’m trying to strive for it.”

Everyone is waiting for him to get back on the field, and hopefully on the basketball courts this season.

“He’s a resilient kid, [and] I think he’s going to do what he needs to do to get back on the basketball court,” Naymola said. “For me, as a track coach too, and for him to get another avenue for competition because he missed so much football and basketball, I really want to get him on the track team this year.”

Naymola has plans for Bryce. Joining the track team could benefit him, serving as another way of rehabilitation to get more confident moving around on his injured leg.

“Thankfully we know Bryce will heal up and be good,” Slattery said. “I am looking forward to seeing him back on the field.”

Football season will come sooner than Bryce may think, and he wants to be ready. He is ready to push forward and get back on the field to play those Friday night games.

“That Friday, everyone was wishing me the best,” Bryce said. “All the coaches, players, players from other teams, [and] people from all over. I appreciate all of Raider Nation and everyone in general. It was a lot when everything happened. Everyone was reaching out and it was really nice.”

“We greatly appreciate all the support from the community, the school, everyone that has come to our home to visit, his peers, coaches, all of the phone calls, text messages even to me and my husband,” Vernita said. “We appreciate the positivity from the community and how everyone rallied behind him and reminding us that we are raising an amazing kid.”

GOOD LUCK ON FINALS!

Pinned to the sport

Locked in.

Junior Shane McGuine has nothing on his mind but the match ahead.

On the sidelines, he observes the match that is going on. He cheers on his teammate as they face their opponent. Then, turning away, he refocuses his attention on his match.

Adrenaline courses through his veins. Headphones are in his ears, blasting his “hype” playlist to give him energy and encouragement.

Takedown. Escape. Pin.

That’s all he needs to do to win. McGuine finishes putting on his head gear to keep him safe throughout his match. Walking up to the scoring table, he checks in and makes his way to the mat. McGuine’s foot slowly sinks into the mat as he takes a deep

Shane McGuine’s devotion to wrestling leads to personal growth and might

By Jessy Gone

breath, washing away any remaining nerves.

All the weeks of intense training come down to this moment. The cheering crowd silences as he faces his opponent and shakes their hand. He gets into position and waits for the sound of the whistle to indicate the start of the match.

McGuine’s passion for wrestling began in his sixth grade physical education class. During a demonstration day, wrestling coaches came into his class and brought out the mats to promote the sport. He learned

When McGuine first started, he spent months learning basic techniques, skills, and components of a wrestling match. Starting from the bottom was difficult, but when it finally came time to put all the hard work to use during his first match, he was hooked.

He spent time creating strategies on how to score points and try to win as many matches as he could. He started his first season on JV and worked his way up.

“It was fun. I think for the first two months I had no idea how a wrestling match went,” McGuine said. “And then at the end of the year, I was [on] varsity.”

During his first year wrestling for high school, he wrestled varsity in the 113-pound weight class. Unfortunately, the pandemic made the wrestling season significantly different, but he was the Fox Valley All-Conference champion for his weight class. In his sophomore year, McGuine wrestled as JV and varsity reserve, but his position for this season remained undecided.

Wrestling is different than many other sports because, while there is a team aspect, is mostly an individual sport. Points can be earned by each wrestler during their match.

The points are added together to determine which team is the overall winner. Each wrestler is responsible for their matches, making dedication a critical factor in being successful in the sport.

“You’re with a team, but your wrestling is on you,” McGuine said. “If you lose, it’s on you, but if you win, it’s also on you.”

Illinois is a competitive and topfive wrestling state, making the sport much more intense. In the past, Huntley has done very well at competing at the conference and state levels.

Over the summer, McGuine took up weightlifting and trained as much as possible to prepare for this season. Hopefully, the effects of all the work he has put in over the last few months will be seen in how he does

Courtesy of Shane McGuine

A referee lifts up McGuine’s arm to show that he has the won the duel.

this season.

“He might have been one of the only guys who went to training and weightlifting [during the] offseason,” head varsity wrestling coach Benjamin Bertelsman said.

Responsibility is something that wrestling coaches are trying to teach their teams, not only to help them improve in the sport but as a life skill as well.

McGuine is a reliable wrestling team member, always putting in the work to ensure he is ready for his matches and staying on top of his school work to remain eligible.

“I think he’s a really good teammate, he honestly brings a lot of fun to [the team],” teammate Kellan Brancato said. “He also manages to work as hard as anybody else.”

for maintaining their weight to stay in their weight class. Before every match, each wrestler must weigh in to make sure that they are either at or below their designated weight class.

Cutting weight is one of the more hardcore sacrifices wrestlers have to make, but it all comes from a place of love for the sport.

“Once I make 138 [pounds], I only have to maintain it, which is easier, but the cutting part, you just feel sluggish,” McGuine said.

McGuine is in a difficult situation when it comes to getting into matches during the upcoming season because of the weight class he is in.

Currently, he is trying to stay between the 138-pound and 145-pound weight classes, but depending on how the season progresses, he may be switching to get more matches in.

works his butt off, but there is always someone right there next to him that is that same level,” Bertelsman said.

His patience and devotion to wrestling are unmatched. Even after the challenge of cutting weight at the beginning of the season, he still gives it his all during practice. The nature of the sport requires wrestlers to make many sacrifices, between long practices and maintaining weight, but McGuine finds the sacrifice to be worth it.

He hopes to continue this passion in the future and dreams of wrestling at the collegiate level. His time on Huntley’s wrestling team has helped McGuine grow as a person and taught him many valuable lessons. He has learned the importance of responsibility and dedication through his love for the sport of wrestling.

Wrestling is also unique because everyone on the team is responsible Shane McGuine watches his teammetes as he waits for his own match to start.

“He’s in a tough position because he

J. Gone

Bob Gajewski Jr

Ice in his veins

The referee has the puck in hand.

West Dundee Leafs Midget

Prospects star center Jeremy Chadwick is locked in on giving his team the first possession of the game. An eventful 48 minutes with short intermissions, oddly split by a halftime through the second period, sits ahead of him, but he will never lose focus on providing his team with the best opportunities to win this game.

He and his opponent position themselves with sticks on ice.

An exciting form of adrenaline shoots through Chadwick’s body. The fever pitch during the opening faceoff is nothing new to Chadwick; his love for the center position disclosed itself in his second year of travel hockey. His ability to fight for possession, especially on the face-offs, is first-class.

Jeremy Chadwick’s enduring commitment continues for a 12th year

By Chase Keller

The referee places his hand over the sticks.

Chadwick continues to stare at the referee’s hand, eagerly waiting for it to open up. The exact moment that the puck begins to fall, he utilizes his exceptionally fast reaction time to time the puck drop perfectly. He can not move too early, take his stick an inch off the ground, or move out of a position square to the face-off spot. He needs to be near perfect.

The referee drops the puck.

Chadwick’s competitiveness, dedication, and leadership epitomize his long-lasting, devoted relationship to ice hockey, the sport that he will have played for 13 years come March.

“[Jeremy] always puts 100% out there,” Chadwick’s mother Darcy Chadwick said. “The game means so much to him.”

Chadwick was born into a hockey family; generations of massive Chicago Blackhawks fans extend very far into the family tree. Chadwick is named after former Blackhawks center Jeremy Roenick, just like his mother was named after Blackhawks

At only 4 years old, Chadwick began his hockey career like most young children: a stick, a net, and a playing ground. Around a year later, his parents signed him up for skating lessons, and sometimes just took him

Once Chadwick’s skating became consistent, he entered his first experience with competitive hockey, playing for the Crystal Lake Yellow Jackets in their travel program. While with Crystal Lake, he locked in on playing

“My second year of travel [hockey], I got really good at faceoffs,” Chadwick said. “From that point, I always took the faceoff, so I gravitated

After COVID-19 pandemic restrictions were partially lifted, Chadwick made the tough decision to leave the Yellow Jackets and transfer over to West Dundee, where he is currently playing his second season with the organization.

“Everybody on my team went their

own separate ways,” Chadwick said. “I was the only person on my team to not go to high school.”

The West Dundee Hockey Club, better known as the Leafs, is a non-profit organization serving the Fox Valley area. The team is a part of the Central States Developmental Hockey League, consisting of 18 Illinois teams, 5 Missouri teams, and a single team in Indiana, Nebraska, and Colorado.

Due to the number of states represented, traveling extreme distances for tournaments is fairly common

Chadwick working hard during one of his games.

Chadwick walking to the bench after a hard and rewarding game.

Courtesy of Jeremy Chadwick

It’s draining as a parent, but you do what you can for your kids to make them happy Darcy Chadwick

Courtesy of Jeremy Chadwick

in the CSDHL. The heavy amount of traveling, along with booking hotels, renting cars, purchasing new equipment, and other added purchases like tryout fees, makes ice hockey one of the most expensive sports to play.

Despite the high price tag, Chadwick makes the sport worth continuing due to his loving personality, his above-and-beyond work ethic, and remarkable leadership.

“It’s draining as a parent, but you do what you can for your kids to make them happy,” Darcy Chadwick said. “We only have one more year of this, and I’m going to enjoy it as much as I can.”

These tournaments provide Chadwick with a big opportunity to showcase his mindset as a team player. As of Dec. 10, Chadwick leads the CSDHL in assists, and is second in goals, second in points, and top 10 in power play goals. The consistent statistics between goals and assists embodies his mindset to give the entire team the biggest opportunity possible.

“[Jeremy] sets the example,” said Jason Watson, the head coach of West Dundee Leafs Midget Prospects. “He is definitely top tier and everyone on the team looks up to him.”

While mindset is more important than skill set, Chadwick’s strong work ethic allows for him to master a high amount of crucial skills needed for an elite hockey player. Maintaining versatility is a great start for any center, and his commitment to improve on both ends of the ice sets him apart from a majority of athletes.

“Jeremy has stepped up and made himself versatile,” Watson said. “Whether it’s power play, penalty kill, playing forward or center, he’ll jump in and play [defense] anytime I ask him to, and he’s so good at it.”

Beyond the versatility, Chadwick’s hockey IQ and decision-making skills are premier parts of his craft. He is patient with a quick reaction time, rarely performs any miscues, and recovers quickly and efficiently. He makes finding the best decision everytime look easy.

“He knows situational hockey,” Jeremy’s father Phil Chadwick said. “He knows what to do, where the puck is going to be, where he needs to position himself, and what he needs to do once he gets the puck.”

Chadwick’s playmaking is also a notable skill that he possesses. His short passes are smooth and soft, and

his long ones are crisp and accurate. In creating plays for himself, his stick handling is top-tier, and his attacking gear is efficient.

Overall, Chadwick stands out on the ice due to both his mental and physical traits, along with his respectable personality and great chemistry with his teammates.

“[Chadwick] is amazing to coach, he’s an amazing teammate, and everyone really likes him,” Watson said. “He works on and off the ice, which other kids look up to, and for me, as a coach, that’s an absolute pleasure.”

Chadwick’s parents, along with his grandfather, have provided him with a variety of opportunities from the beginning to present day. They have funded a terrific career, but more importantly, they have motivated him to be the best athlete he can be.

“Play hard, have fun, don’t get hurt,” as his father always tells him. Competitive. Smart. Respectful. Brave. Motivated.

Chadwick’s peers always have a positive thing to say about him. The characteristics that he maintains on and off the ice could inspire upcoming generations to be like Jeremy Chadwick.

Courtesy of Jeremy Chadwick

Chadwick gets ready to pass the puck to a teammate for an opportunity to score a goal.

We at The Voice will be the first to say it has been hard.

Between a world pandemic, recent losses in the community and the ever-looming finals, it is more important than ever to stay united.

It can be so easy to isolate, pull away and only focus on the present. Yet, Huntley is pushing for change and giving a call to action across the board.

“As a school community, there’s power in numbers, and we could do so much more that is simple to help people that are close to us and that are across the world from us,” principal Marcus Belin said.

With numerous community projects going on at once, students are bombarded with opportunities to do their fair share. From NHS’s Adopt-a-Family to fundraisers run by sports teams, there is something for everyone.

“By joining Leos Club, I was able to meet people younger and older than me. Not only on the leadership team, but also the Huntley Lions,” said junior Amanda Sarrol, co-vice president of Leos Club.

take people days or what would take other countries years to be able to do.”

Perspective is key, according to Belin, and it is important to remember how much we have as a community, rather than what is missing. Take the time to look a little deeper, but also celebrate how far we have come in the last year.

For example, a volleyball mom fought cancer during their previous season, so the girls banded together and started a fundraiser: Mission Moran.

“All of the giving that we do is

pleasant experience.”

Girls volleyball is not the only team to smash their season. Football, girls tennis, golf, swimming, cross country, and Math Team have had victory after victory.

“I think it’s important to acknowledge the strengths and accomplishments of everyone here at the school, whether you’re an athlete or just involved in a club or organization,” counselor Jim Messina said. “I think that builds a sense of pride.”

Red Raiderswe’re all in this together

As the holiday season

approaches, HHS is looking for ways to give back to the community

Community and high school sports go hand in hand: athletes depend on not just their parents and coaches to show up, but classmates and the public as well in order to perform well. Huntley High School has had many successes in the fall season with amazing turn out at events.

“Community gives so much back to us: parental support, crowds beyond Raider Nation, [and] Football Fridays,” athletic director Glen Wilson said. “Support in general is what drives us to do good for [everyone].”

Started in 1917, Lions Club members around the nation come together to improve their communities, taking their passion of generosity to raise awareness on current issues. Huntley’s Lions partner with HHS Leos Club to take their mission to a new audience.

“I would say the feeling I get after helping out makes me feel good and like I’m doing something,” NHS board member Keira Darnall said. “I have a personal impact on someone’s life and just being able to see that is nice.”

It may seem like a little thing to us, just some time spent making cards for Northwestern Hospital or packing food for Feed My Starving Children.

For others, it could be everything.

“What is the impact that we can have?” Belin said. “It’s hours for us versus what would

great,” Belin said. “Everybody has some different connection. Even the smallest amount, even if we’re helping one person, that’s one person more that’s being helped.”

With comradery and a strong roster, the varsity volleyball team dominated their conference and made it to super sectionals. This is not their first rodeo, however, with a rich history of success on the court.

“We all were super close; they were my family. It made playing together so much fun,” said senior Kendall Gallagher, member of the volleyball team.

“I think it was also just the environment of [our team],” said junior Elizabeth Pauwels, member of the tennis team.

“One of the seniors really brought the team together and made it a lot more of a

Support is not just essential in athletics and other competitive activities, but also in students’ everyday life. The ups and downs of finals season can be harmful to student health, but also strengthens relationships.

“If students are having a bad day, it’s not uncommon at all for friends to come down with them,” Messina said. “It seems like most kids have a good support system here.”

While Huntley is excelling during this season of giving, we should remember that this mindset should be held onto all year and push for larger projects that involve the whole school or even all of Huntley.

“We’re so fortunate to have what we do and sometimes I don’t think we see it,” Belin said. “There’s always hope that is given in some way, shape or form.”

Humans of Huntley

Everyone is worthy of a

feature story…what is it that makes you “feature worthy”?

Even with the whole COVID thing, the post office, we never stopped. We didn’t get any bonus or incentive like an essential worker. We never got anything like that. But we never stopped, which I’m happy about, that I didn’t lose my job like so many other unfortunate people did. Anything can happen and you’ll always get the mail that day The whole slogan is “through rain, sleet and snow.” It never stopped. When COVID hit, we had to wear masks at the post office and stay six feet away from each other But nothing changed for us.

Mail Carrier -Laurie Sass

What is one of your proudest moments?

Megan, she’s our oldest-she worked at Culver's. Trevor-he’s the middle, he worked at Culver's too and then he signed up [for the Marine Corps] his junior year. Our youngest, Kayla, worked at Culver's too. [Recently], she graduated from Navy boot camp. She said “Mom, all I want is Culver's. I’ve been dreaming about it.” So we went into Culver's and it was like the whole place stopped. I mean, [the manager] was hugging Kayla and he said, “can I get a family picture because all three of your kids worked at Culver's.” Kayla and Trevor, both of them were in uniform. So people at Culver' s were looking at our kids. My husband and I talked about it after it. We have always been proud of our kids. Having everybody look [while we were there] and we got compliments. “You did really good with the kids,” and we were very proud. Very, very proud.

What advice do you wish you could tell your younger self?

Everything works out for the best, but sometimes it doesn’t. Everything will be okay.

Do you have any regrets in life?

I lost my mom in August of this year, unexpectedly. My regret is that I didn’t spend more time with her. But then on the flip side, you've got to try to think of the good-you have to try Like I get sad and I’m definitely a glass half full kind of person. You've got to just try to be nice because you don’t know what anybody’s going through.

What is your dream vacation?

My dream vacation is going to Hawaii. We like to cruise and that is definitely on our bucket list: to cruise to Hawaii with the family